DE112014006580T5 - Absorbent article having a fluid acquisition layer having channels - Google Patents

Abstract

An absorbent article may include a body facing material, an outer cover joined to the body facing material, and an absorbent body. The absorbent article may also include a fluid acquisition layer. The fluid sensing layer may include a plurality of apertures and at least one channel. The channel may include a length and a depth. The length may be defined in a horizontal plane by a distance between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be connected to a first opening and the depth may extend from a body facing surface of the fluid acquisition layer to a garment facing surface of the fluid acquisition layer.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION

One of the main functions of personal care absorbent articles is to absorb and maintain body exudates, such as B. Urine, feces, blood and menstrual blood. In this context, a desirable attribute of personal care absorbent articles is minimizing the leakage of such exudates from the absorbent article. It is also desired that personal care absorbent articles retain and absorb body exudates to provide a dry feel to the wearer, remove exudates from the skin at the time of the first fouling of the exudate, and keep them away from the skin after soiling , Absorbent articles traditionally do not have this combination of the desired attributes. Absorbent articles often fail before the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent article is used. Problems that are typically present may relate to the ability of the body-facing material and other components of the absorbent article to permit rapid uptake in one direction to an absorbent body, while preventing the return of fluid in the opposite direction. In addition, the rate at which ingestion occurs sometimes determines whether leaks are reduced or whether bodily fluids are adequately maintained. Particularly problematic may be semi-solid fecal material such as B. Low viscosity feces material, which may be prevalent in younger children, as well as menstrual blood. These body exudates have problems as easily as low viscosity exudates, such as B. Urine to invade the body-facing material of the absorbent article and tend to spread across the surface of the body-facing material. And as soon as these exudates penetrate the body-facing material, the exudates may have problems penetrating into other components of the absorbent article, such as B. Fluid sensing layers or fluid transfer layers to be absorbed by the absorbent body. As a result of the inefficient penetration of the exudates into the absorbent body, these exudates can move back to the surface of the body-facing material, and against the skin of the wearer, which can increase the potential for skin irritation and lead to smears against the skin of the wearer which makes it difficult to cleanse the skin. Therefore, there remains a need for an absorbent article that can provide increased efficiency of incorporation of body exudates into the absorbent body, and improved handling of body exudates to reduce the amount of body exudates that interact with the skin of the wearer stay in contact.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE REVELATION

In one embodiment, the invention provides an absorbent article along a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The longitudinal axis and the lateral axis are defined in a horizontal plane parallel to the absorbent article in a lay-flat configuration. The absorbent article may also include a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The absorbent article may be a body facing material; an outer cover connected to the body-facing material and an absorbent body positioned between the body-facing material and the outer cover. The absorbent article may also include a fluid acquisition layer that may include a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. The fluid sensing layer may be positioned between the body facing material and the outer cover. The fluid sensing layer may further include a plurality of apertures and at least one channel including a length and a depth. The length may be defined in the horizontal plane by a distance between a proximal end and a distal end of the channel, and the depth may be defined in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical axis. The proximal end may be connected to a first opening of the plurality of openings. The at least one channel may be configured so that the depth extends from the body-facing surface to the clothing-facing surface. In another embodiment, the invention provides an absorbent article including a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The longitudinal axis and the lateral axis are defined in a horizontal plane parallel to the absorbent article in a lay-flat configuration. The absorbent article may also include a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The absorbent article may be a body facing material; an outer cover connected to the body-facing material and an absorbent body positioned between the body-facing material and the outer cover. The absorbent article may also include a fluid acquisition layer. The fluid acquisition layer may be positioned between the body-facing material and the absorbent body. The fluid sensing layer may include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may include an upper surface providing a body-facing surface of the fluid acquisition layer and an opposite lower layer. The second layer may include a bottom layer that provides a garment facing layer of the fluid acquisition layer and an opposing top surface. The fluid sensing layer may further include a plurality of apertures and at least one channel including a length and a depth. The length may be defined in the horizontal plane by a distance between a proximal end and a distal end of the channel, and the depth may be defined in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical axis. The proximal end may be connected to a first opening of the plurality of openings. The at least one channel may be configured such that the depth extends through at least one of the first layer and the second layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure directed to one of ordinary skill in the art is particularly described in the remainder of the specification, which refers to the appended drawings:

1 Figure 3 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article, such as B. a diaper, in a fastened state.

2 is a plan view of the absorbent article of 1 in an unfastened, stretched and laid flat condition, wherein the body facing surface of the absorbent article in contact with the wearer facing the viewer, wherein portions of the absorbent article are cut off for clarity of illustration.

3 Figure 11 is a plan view of a sensing layer of the absorbent article of Figure 1, wherein the sensing layer has a plurality of apertures and a plurality of channels.

4A FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the sense layer of FIG 3 taken along line 4-4.

4B Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sense layer having channels of varying depth along the length of the channels.

5 FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sense layer including two layers having a plurality of openings and channels each provided in the first layer. FIG.

5B Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sense layer having a plurality of openings and channels provided in the second layer, respectively.

5C FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sense layer including two layers having a plurality of openings and channels extending through the first and second layers and having channels in the first and second layers that extend only through the layer. FIG they are provided.

5D Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a sense layer including two layers having a plurality of openings and channels extending through the first and second layers.

6 Figure 10 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a sense layer, wherein the sense layer includes a plurality of apertures and a plurality of channels.

7 FIG. 12 is a plan view of an exemplary alignment of a body facing material having a plurality of intersecting slot formations and a sensing layer having a plurality of apertures and a plurality of channels with the sensing body material facing the sensing layer overlying the sensing layer; FIG. which points to the viewer.

8th is a detail view taken along the line 8-8 of 7 is removed.

9 Figure 10 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article such as B. a feminine hygiene product. Repeated uses of reference numbers in the present specification and drawings are intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment, the present disclosure generally relates to an absorbent article that may include a sensing layer having at least one channel. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not intended to be limiting. For example, features that are illustrated or described as part of one embodiment or figure may be used in another embodiment or figure so that yet another Embodiment results. It is intended that the present disclosure include such modifications and variations.

In introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred aspect (s) thereof, the articles "a," "an," "an," and "the" are intended to mean one or more of the element is present / are. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, meaning that additional elements other than the listed elements may be present. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described above should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

definitions:

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to an article that can be positioned against or in the vicinity of the body (i.e., adjacent the body) of the wearer to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, and semi-solid exudates be released from the body. Such absorbent articles as described herein are intended to be disposed of after a limited period of use, rather than being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to a variety of disposable absorbent articles including, but not limited to, diapers, training pants, youth pants, swimwear, feminine hygiene products, including, but not limited to, menstrual pads, incontinence products, medical garments, surgical cushions and bandages, other personal care or health care garments, and the like, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term "acquisition layer" refers to a layer that is capable of receiving and temporarily retaining liquid body exudates to slow and distribute an outflow or spill of the liquid body exudates, and subsequently the liquid body exudates therefrom into another layer or layers of the absorbent article.

The term "bonded" herein refers to bonding, adhering, connecting, attaching or the like of two elements. Two elements are considered to be bonded together when directly connected to one another, or indirectly connected, adhered, connected, fastened or the like, as for example. when each of them is bonded directly to intermediate elements. Bonding from one element to another can be done by endless or interrupted bonding.

As used herein, the term "carded web" refers to a web containing natural or synthetic staple length fibers, typically having fiber lengths of less than about 100 mm. Bales of staple fibers may undergo an opening process to separate the fibers, which are then sent to a carding process that separates and combs the fibers to align them in the machine direction, after which the fibers are deposited on a moving wire for further processing , Such webs usually become some kind of bonding process, such as B. thermal bonding using heat and / or pressure. In addition to, or instead, the fibers may be subjected to bonding processes to bond the fibers together, such as B. through the use of adhesive. The carded web can be fluid entangled, such as B. Hydroentangling to intertwine the fibers and thereby improve the integrity of the carded web. Carded webs typically exhibit more machine direction strength than cross machine direction strength due to fiber orientation in the machine direction once bonded.

As used herein, the term "film" refers to a thermoplastic film made using an extrusion and / or formation process, such as B. Cast film or blown film extrusion process. The term includes apertured films, slit films, and other porous films that are liquid transfer films, as well as films that do not transfer fluids, such as, but not limited to, barrier films, filled films, air-permeable films, and oriented films.

The term "g / m2" herein refers to grams per square meter.

The term "hydrophilic" herein refers to fibers or the areas of fibers wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. The degree of wetting of the materials can in turn be described in terms of contact angles and surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of certain fiber materials or mixtures of fiber materials may be provided by the Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System. When measured with this system, fibers become the contact angles of less than 90 "wettable" or hydrophilic, and fibers having contact angles greater than 90 are referred to as "non-wettable" or hydrophobic.

As used herein, the term "liquid-impermeable" refers to a layer or multi-layer laminate in which liquid body exudates, such as B. Urine, under normal conditions of use, will not pass through the layer or laminate in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact.

As used herein, the term "liquid pervious" refers to any material that is not liquid impermeable.

As used herein, the term "hot air drawn" refers to fibers produced by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, normally circular die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging heated (eg, air) high velocity gas streams the filaments of molten thermoplastic material weaken to reduce its diameter, which can be a microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the hot air drawn fibers are entrained by the high velocity gas stream and deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly distributed hot air drawn fibers. Such a process is eg B. in U.S. Patent No. 3,849,241 by Butin et al. which is incorporated herein by reference. Hot air drawn fibers are microfibers that may be continuous or discontinuous, generally less than about 0.6 denier, and may be sticky and self-bonding when deposited on a collection surface.

The term "nonwoven" herein refers to materials and webs that are formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knitting process. The materials and webs may have a structure of individual fibers, filaments or filaments (collectively referred to as "fibers") that may be interposed therebetween, but not in a recognizable manner, such as in a knitted fabric. Nonwoven materials or webs may be formed from many processes, such as, but not limited to, meltblowing processes, nonwoven spinning processes, carded web processes, etc.

The term "foldable" herein refers to materials that are compliant and that will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the wearer's body.

As used herein, the term "spunbonded" refers to small diameter fibers formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material from a plurality of fine capillaries from a spinneret having a circular or other configuration, the diameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly increased by a conventional spinnerette Process is reduced, such as ° B. eductive pulling and processes in U.S. Patent No. 4,340,563 by Appel et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,692,618 Dorschner et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,802,817 by Matsuki et al. U.S. Patent Nos. 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 from Kinney, U.S. Patent No. 3,502,763 from Hartmann, U.S. Patent No. 3,502,538 from Peterson and U.S. Patent No. 3,542,615 by Dobo et al. each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Nonwoven spun fibers are generally continuous and often have a mean denier greater than about 0.3, and in one embodiment between about 0.6, 5, and 10 and about 15, 20, and 40. Nonwoven spun fibers are generally non-sticky when deposited on a collection surface.

As used herein, the term "superabsorbent" refers to a water-swellable water-soluble organic or inorganic material capable of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight under the most favorable conditions, and at least about 30 times its weight in one embodiment an aqueous solution containing 0.9% by weight of sodium chloride. The superabsorbent materials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. In addition, the superabsorbent materials may be inorganic materials, such as B. Silica gels or organic compounds such as B. crosslinked polymers.

As used herein, the term "thermoplastic" refers to a material which softens and which, when exposed to heat, can be molded and which substantially returns to a non-softened state when cooled.

As used herein, the term "user" refers to someone who adjusts an absorbent article, such as B. a diaper, training pants, youth pants, an incontinence product or other absorbent article around the wearer of one of these absorbent articles. A user and a wearer may be the same person.

Absorbent article:

With reference to 1 and 2 is a non-limiting illustration of an absorbent article 10 , eg B. a diaper, illustrated. Other embodiments of the absorbent article could include training pants, Youth pants, adult incontinence garments and feminine hygiene products. While the embodiments and illustrations described herein may generally be applied to absorbent articles made in the longitudinal direction of the product, hereinafter referred to as the machine direction manufacturing of a product, it should be appreciated that those of ordinary skill in the art may apply the information herein to absorbent articles made in the widthwise direction of the product, which will be referred to hereinafter as manufacturing in the transverse direction of a product, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The in 1 and 2 illustrated absorbent articles 10 includes a front waist area 12 , a back waist area 14 and a step area 16 placed between the front waist area 12 and the back waist area 14 is arranged, and the front and rear waist area 12 . 14 each connects. The front waist area 12 may be referred to as the front end region, the rear waist region 14 may be referred to as the rear end region and the crotch region 16 may be referred to as the intermediate region. The absorbent article 10 has a pair of longitudinal side edges 18 . 20 , and a pair of opposite waist edges, each as a front waist edge 22 and back waist edge 24 be designated. The front waist area 12 Can with the front waist edge 22 be coherent and the back waist area 14 can with the back waist edge 24 be coherent. The long side edges 18 . 20 can be from the front waist edge 22 to the rear waist edge 24 extend.

The front waist area 12 can the section of the absorbent article 10 which, when worn, is at least partially positioned on the front of the wearer while the back waist region 14 the section of the absorbent article 10 may be at least partially positioned on the back of the wearer when worn. The crotch area 16 of the absorbent article 10 can be the section of the absorbent article 10 which, when worn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and may partially cover the lower torso of the wearer. The waist edges 22 and 24 of the absorbent article 10 are configured to encircle the waist of the wearer and together define the central waist opening 23 , Sections of the longitudinal side edges 18 and 20 in the crotch area 16 can generally define leg openings when the absorbent article 10 will be carried.

The absorbent article 10 can be an outer cover 26 and a body-facing material 28 include. In one embodiment, the body facing material 28 with the outer cover 26 in a superimposed relationship by any suitable means, such as, but not limited to, adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, printing bonds, or other conventional techniques. The outer cover 26 can be a length in a longitudinal direction 30 , and a width or lateral direction 32 in the illustrated embodiment, with the length and width of the absorbent article 10 can be identical. As in 2 illustrated, the absorbent article 10 a longitudinal axis 29 have, extending in the longitudinal direction 30 extends, and a lateral axis 31 that are in the lateral direction 32 extends. The longitudinal axis 29 and the lateral axis 31 can define a horizontal plane. The absorbent article 10 can also be a vertical axis 33 have, extending in a vertical direction 34 extends. The vertical axis 33 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane passing through the longitudinal axis 29 and the lateral axis 31 is defined.

2 illustrates the absorbent article 10 in which certain sections are illustrative of additional aspects of the absorbent article 10 are cut away. An absorbent body 35 can between the outer cover 26 and the body-facing material 28 be arranged. The absorbent body 35 can be long edges 36 and 38 in one embodiment, portions of each of the longitudinal side edges 18 and 20 of the absorbent article 10 can form, and can have opposite end edges 40 and 42 comprise, in one embodiment, respectively parts of the waist edges 22 and 24 of the absorbent article 10 can train. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 35 have a length and width equal to or less than the length and width of the absorbent article 10 is. The absorbent article 10 may also be a fluid acquisition layer 70 and a fluid transfer layer 66 include.

The absorbent article 10 may be configured to contain and / or absorb liquid, solid and semi-solid body exudates that have been released from the carrier. For example, containment flaps 44 and 46 be configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. As in 2 Illustrates any inclusion flap 44 . 46 elastic elements 48 . 50 include. The elastic elements 48 . 50 include one or more elastic strands (two are in 2 shown) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 of the absorbent article 10 are aligned. The containment flaps 44 . 46 are laterally spaced apart so that the containment flap 44 on one side of the longitudinal axis 29 lies and the enclosure flap 46 on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis 29 lies. The containment flaps 44 . 46 can be attached to the absorbent article 10 attached to the body-facing material 28 be bonded. The containment flaps 44 and 46 can along the long side edges 18 . 20 of the absorbent article 10 be positioned, and can be longitudinally along the entire length of the absorbent article 10 extend or may extend partially along the length of the absorbent article 10 extend.

To further increase the containment and / or absorption of body exudates, the absorbent article 10 suitably a rear elastic waist element 52 , a front elastic waist element 54 and elastic leg elements 56 and 58 as known to those skilled in the art. The elastic waist elements 52 and 54 can on the outer cover 26 and / or the body facing material 28 along the opposite waist edges 24 and 22 be fastened, and can stretch over part or all of the waist edges 24 and 22 extend. In an in 2 illustrated embodiment, the rear elastic waist member 52 on the body-facing material 28 attached, and the containment flaps 44 . 46 and the front elastic element 54 are on the outer cover 26 attached. The elastic waist elements 56 and 58 can on the outer cover 26 and / or the body facing material 28 along the opposite longitudinal side edges 18 and 20 to be fixed in the crotch area 16 of the absorbent article 10 are attached.

Additional details regarding each of these elements of the absorbent article described herein 10 are below and referring to the 1 to 8th to find.

Outer cover:

The outer cover 26 and / or portions thereof may be permeable to air and / or liquid permeable. The outer cover 26 and / or portions thereof may be elastic, stretchable or non-stretchable. The outer cover 26 may consist of a single layer, multiple layers, laminates, nonwoven spunbond webs, films, hot air drawn webs, elastic nets, microporous webs, bonded carded webs, or foams provided by elastomeric or polymeric materials. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 z. ° B. from a microporous polymer film such as B. Polyethylene or polypropylene.

In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 a single layer of liquid impermeable material. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 suitably extensible, and more suitably elastic in at least the lateral or circumferential direction 32 of the absorbent article 10 be. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 suitably extensible, and even more elastic in the lateral 32 and the longitudinal direction 30 be. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 a multilayer laminate wherein at least one of the layers is liquid impermeable. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 a two-layer construction, including the material of an outer layer 60 and the material of an inner layer 62 , the z. ° B. can be bonded together by a laminate adhesive. Suitable laminate adhesives may be applied continuously or intermittently as beads, a spray, parallel vortexes or the like, however, it should be understood that the inner layer 62 by other bonding methods to the outer layer 60 may be bonded, including but not limited to ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, printed bonds or the like.

The outer layer 60 the outer cover 26 may be any suitable material, and may be one that provides the wearer with a generally cloth-like texture or appearance. An example of such a material may be a 100% bonded carded polypropylene web having a diamond bond pattern available from Sandler AG, Germany, such as B. Sawabond ^® 4185 with 30 g / m2 or equivalent. Another example of material that is for use as an outer layer 60 an outer cover 26 may be a nonwoven spun polypropylene nonwoven web at 20 gsm. The outer layer 60 may also be constructed of the same materials that make up the body-facing material described herein 28 can be constructed.

The liquid-impermeable inner layer 62 the outer cover 26 (or the liquid-impermeable outer cover 26 if the outer one cover 26 is a single layer construction) may either be vapor permeable (i.e., "air permeable") or vapor impermeable. The liquid-impermeable inner layer 62 (or the liquid-impermeable outer cover 26 if the outer cover 26 made of a single-layer construction) may be made of a thin plastic film, although other liquid-permeable materials may be used. The liquid-impermeable inner layer 62 (or the liquid-impermeable outer cover 26 if the outer cover 26 is a single layer construction), leakage of liquid body exudates from the absorbent article may occur 10 and wetting articles such as B. Sheets and clothing, as well as the carrier and caregiver. An example of a material for a liquid-impermeable inner layer 62 (or the liquid-impermeable outer cover 26 if the outer cover 26 consists of a single-layer construction), a printed Berry Plastics XP-8695H film with 19 g / m2 available from Berry Plastics Corporation, Evansville, IN, USA.

If the outer cover 26 is a single layer construction, it may be finished with embossing and / or matting to provide a more fabric-like texture or appearance. The outer cover 26 may be the leakage of vapors from the absorbent article 10 while preventing the passage of liquids. A suitable liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material may be a microporous polymeric film or non-woven material that has been coated or otherwise treated to achieve a desired level of liquid impermeability.

Absorbent body:

The absorbent body 35 may be suitably designed so that it is generally compressible, conformable, foldable, non-irritating to the skin of the wearer, and capable of absorbing and retaining fluid body exudates. The absorbent body 35 can be made in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shaped, L-shaped, clock-glass, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. The size and absorbency of the absorbent body 35 should be compatible with the size of the intended wearer and the fluid load resulting from the intended use of the absorbent article 10 is applied. The absorbent body 35 may have a length and width less than or equal to the length and width of the absorbent article 10 can be. The absorbent body 35 can have two surfaces, eg B. a surface facing the wearer 64 and a clothing facing surface (not shown). Edges, such as ° B. longitudinal edges 36 and 38 , and as for example B. front and rear end edges 40 and 42 , the two surfaces can 64 and 66 connect.

In one embodiment, the absorbent body 35 from a sheet of hydrophilic fibers, cellulosic fibers (eg, wood fibers), natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven fabrics, mesh fabrics or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, pigments, lotions, Odor control agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 35 a matrix of cellulose flakes and superabsorbent material. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 35 may be constructed of a single layer of materials, or alternatively may be constructed of two layers of materials or more.

Different types of wettable hydrophilic fibers can be used in the absorbent body 35 be used. Examples of suitable fibers include natural fibers, cellulosic fibers, synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as B. Rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of inherently wettable material, such as B. glass fibers; synthetic fibers made from inherently wettable thermoplastic fibers, such as B. certain polyester or polyamide fibers, or composed of non-wettable thermoplastic polymers such as B. of polyolefin fibers which have been hydrophilized by suitable means. The fibers can be z. by treatment with a surfactant, treatment with silica, treatment with a material which has a hydrophilic content and is not readily removable from the fiber or which is hydrophilized by sheathing the non-wettable hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer during or after formation of the fiber , Suitable superabsorbent materials can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. The superabsorbent materials may be inorganic materials such as B. Silica gels or organic compounds such as B. crosslinked polymers. In one embodiment, the absorbent body 35 be free of superabsorbent material.

The absorbent body 35 can over the inner layer 62 the outer cover 26 be superimposed, extending laterally between the elastic leg elements 56 . 58 extends, and may be attached to the inner layer 62 the outer layer 26 Bonded, such as ° B. Bonded with adhesive. It is understood, however, that the absorbent body 35 with the outer cover 26 and is not bonded thereto, and remains within the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the outer cover 26 be composed of a single layer, and the absorbent body 35 Can with the single layer of the outer cover 26 stay in contact. In one embodiment, a layer such as B. a fluid transfer layer 66 but not limited to between absorbent body 35 and the outer cover 26 be positioned.

Fluid transfer layer:

In various embodiments, an absorbent article 10 without a fluid transfer layer 66 be constructed. In various embodiments, an absorbent article 10 a fluid transfer layer 66 exhibit. In one embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 66 with the absorbent body 35 stay in contact. In one embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 66 to the absorbent body 35 be bonded. The bonding of the fluid transfer layer 66 to the absorbent body 35 may be made by any means known to ordinary persons skilled in the art, such as B. Adhesives, but not limited thereto. In one embodiment, a fluid transfer layer 66 between the body-facing material 28 and absorbent body 35 be positioned. In one embodiment, a fluid transfer layer 66 the absorbent body 35 completely enclose, and can be sealed to itself. In one embodiment, a fluid transfer layer 66 be composed of separate sheets of material that can be used to make up the absorbent body 35 partially or completely surrounded, and which may be sealed together using a sealant such as, but not limited to, an ultrasonic bonder or other thermo-mechanical bonder, or the use of an adhesive. In one embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 66 in contact with and / or with the surface facing the carrier 64 of the absorbent body 35 be bonded.

The fluid transfer layer 66 can be foldable, less hydrophilic than the absorbent body 35 , and sufficiently porous to thereby allow penetration of liquid body exudates through the fluid transfer layer 66 admit to the absorbent body 35 to reach. In one embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 66 have sufficient structural integrity to wetting it, and that of the absorbent body 35 to resist. In one embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 66 may be constructed of a single layer of material, or it may be a laminate constructed of two or more layers of material. In one embodiment, a fluid transfer layer 66 natural and synthetic fibers include, but are not limited to, such as, but not limited to, polyester, polypropylene, acetate, nylon, polymeric materials, cellulosic materials, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, a fluid transfer layer 66 a nonwoven spinning and / or hot air drawn materials include. In one embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 66 be a laminate of a hot air drawn nonwoven material in which fine fibers are laminated to at least one nonwoven spun nonwoven material layer having coarse fibers. In such an embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 66 a spunbonded hot air drawn ("SM") material while the fluid transfer layer 66 In other embodiments, it may be a spunbonded hot air drawn nonwoven spun ("SMS") material. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 66 be hydrophilic. In various embodiments, the fluid transfer layer 66 be hydrophobic and can be treated in any manner known in the art to be made hydrophilic. In one embodiment, the fluid transfer layer 66 have a longitudinal length which is the same, greater than or less than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 is.

Fluid acquisition layer:

In various embodiments, an absorbent article 10 a fluid acquisition layer 70 exhibit. The acquisition layer 70 can help slow down and distribute effluents or bursts of fluid body exudates that are the body-facing material 28 penetrate. In one embodiment, the sense layer 70 between the body-facing material 28 and the outer cover 26 be positioned. In one embodiment, the sense layer 70 between the body-facing material 28 and the absorbent body 35 be positioned to absorb body exudates and absorb them through the absorbent body 35 to distribute. In one embodiment, the sense layer 70 between the body-facing material 28 and the fluid transfer layer 66 be positioned when a fluid transfer layer 66 is available.

In one embodiment, the sense layer 70 with the body-facing material 28 be in contact and / or be bonded. In an embodiment wherein the sense layer 70 to the body-facing material 28 Bonding can be the bonding of the acquisition layer 70 to the body-facing material 28 by the use of an adhesive and / or by spot-bonding, but is not limited to these bonding methods. For example, the body facing material could 28 by hydroentangling the body-facing material 28 with the acquisition layer 70 to the acquisition layer 70 be bonded. Spot-bonding may be selected from ultrasonic bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, spot fusion bonding may be provided in any pattern that is considered appropriate. For example, the body facing material 28 in a range of 1% -90% to the sensing layer 70 be bonded. The percentage of bonding between the body-facing material 28 and the acquisition layer 70 can be calculated by calculating the area of bonded material between the body-facing material 28 and the acquisition layer 70 , and dividing by the overlap area between the body-facing material 28 and the acquisition layer 70 are measured, as from the vertical direction 34 perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral direction 30 . 32 considered, as in a dimension perpendicular to the plane of the body-facing material 28 is when the body-facing material 28 is laid flat.

The acquisition layer 70 may be rectangular in shape, such as ° B. in 3 . 6 and 7 shown, be clock glass, or have any other shape. The acquisition layer 70 may be any length dimension that is considered appropriate. For example, the acquisition layer 70 have a longitudinal length that is shorter than, equal to or longer than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 is. In one embodiment, the sense layer 70 have any length such that the acquisition layer 70 to the waist edges 22 and 24 of the absorbent article 10 may be adjacent. In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the sensing layer 70 the same as the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 be. In such an embodiment, the center of the longitudinal length of the sensing layer 70 essentially at the midpoint of the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 align.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal length of the sensing layer 70 shorter than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 be. In such an embodiment, the longitudinal length of the sensing layer 70 at any desired location along the length of the absorbent body 35 be positioned. As an example of such an embodiment, the absorbent article 10 contain a target area in which typically repeated bursts of body exudates into the absorbent article 10 occur. The particular location of a target area may vary depending on the nature of the body exudate and / or the age and gender of the wearer of the absorbent article 10 vary. For example, a target area of the absorbent article 10 vary based on urine or fecal material. For example, with regard to urination, men tend to continue towards the front waist area 12 of the absorbent article 10 urinate, and the target area may be within the absorbent article 10 be moved further forward. For example, the target area for a male wearer may be about 2¾ "from the longitudinal center of the absorbent body 35 may be positioned, and may have a length of about ± 3 "and a width of about ± 2". The female target area may be closer to the center of the crotch area in terms of urination 16 of the absorbent article 10 be positioned. For example, the target area may be about 1 "in front of the longitudinal center of the absorbent body for a female wearer 35 may be positioned, and may have a length of about ± 3 "and a width of about ± 2". Therefore, the relative longitudinal positioning of the sensing layer 70 inside the absorbent article 10 can be selected to best suit the target area of one or both categories of carriers and may depend on which type of body exudate is specifically targeted for control.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 Contain a target area within the crotch area 16 of the absorbent article 10 centered, with the premise that the absorbent article 10 worn by a female wearer. The acquisition layer 70 can therefore along the longitudinal length of the absorbent article 10 be positioned so that the acquisition layer 70 essentially with the target area of the absorbent article 10 which is intended for a female wearer. Alternatively, the absorbent article 10 Contain a target area that is between the crotch area 16 and the front waist area 12 of the absorbent article 10 is positioned, with the premise that the absorbent article 10 would be worn by a male wearer. The acquisition layer 70 can therefore along the longitudinal length of the absorbent article 10 be positioned so that the acquisition layer 70 essentially with the target area of the absorbent article 10 aligned, which is intended for a male wearer. In one embodiment, the sense layer 70 have a size dimension, the same size dimension as the target area of the absorbent article 10 or a size dimension greater than the size dimension of the target area of the absorbent article 10 is. In one embodiment, the sense layer 70 in contact with and / or with the body facing material 28 at least partially in the target area of the absorbent article 10 be bonded.

In various embodiments, the sense layer 70 have a longitudinal length equal to or shorter than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 is. In an embodiment in which the absorbent article 10 a diaper is, the sensing layer can 70 have a longitudinal length of about 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 mm to about 200, 210, 220, 225, 240, 260, 280, 300, 310 or 320 mm. In such an embodiment, the sense layer 70 shorter in the longitudinal length than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 can be and from the front end edge 40 or the rear end edge 42 of the absorbent body 35 be shifted at a distance of about 15, 20 or 25 mm to about 30, 35 or 40 mm. In an embodiment in which the absorbent article 10 a training pants or youth trousers can be, the acquisition layer 70 a longitudinal length of about 120, 130, 140, 150, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240 or 250 mm to about 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 340, 360, 400, 410, 420, 440, 450, 460, 480, 500, 510 or 520 mm. In such an embodiment, the sense layer 70 have a longitudinal length which is shorter than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 is, and may be at a distance of about 25, 30, 35 or 40 mm to about 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 or 85 mm from the front end edge 40 of the absorbent body 35 be postponed. In an embodiment in which the absorbent article 10 is an adult incontinence garment, the detection layer may 70 have a longitudinal length of about 200, 210, 220, 230, 240 or 250 mm to about 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 320, 340, 360, 380, 400, 410, 415, 425 or 450 mm. In such an embodiment, the sense layer 70 have a longitudinal length which is shorter than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 35 is, and the acquisition layer 70 can be at a distance of about 20, 25, 30 or 35 mm to about 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 75 mm from the front end edge 40 of the absorbent body 35 be postponed.

The acquisition layer 70 can, as desired, have any desired width. The width of the acquisition layer 70 may vary depending on the size and shape of the absorbent article 10 vary within the acquisition layer 70 is positioned. The acquisition layer 70 may have a width that is less than, equal to or greater than the width of the absorbent body 35 is. Within the crotch area 16 of the absorbent article 10 can the acquisition layer 70 have a width that is less than, equal to or greater than the width of the absorbent body 35 is.

The acquisition layer 70 can be a body-facing surface 72 and a clothing facing surface 74 exhibit. The acquisition layer 70 can have at least one opening 76 exhibit. In some embodiments, the sense layer 70 a variety of openings 76 have (for clarity, only two of the openings 76 in 3 and 6 Marked are). In some embodiments, the openings may 76 from the body-facing surface 72 the acquisition layer 70 to the surface facing the clothing 74 the acquisition layer 70 extend. The variety of openings 76 can in a pattern 78 present a variety of rows 80 and a variety of columns 82 trains as in 3 characterized. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings 72 uniform over the length and / or the width of the acquisition layer 70 be distributed, while in other embodiments, the plurality of openings 72 inconsistent over the entire length and / or width of the acquisition layer 70 can be distributed.

The openings 76 the acquisition layer 70 can have different shapes and sizes, and some openings 76 may be of the size and / or shape of other openings 76 in a pattern 78 be different. For example, the openings 76 have a circular shape, as in the exemplary embodiment in FIG 3 shown. Some openings 76 however, may alternatively have an elliptical shape (such as, for example, B 6 shown) or any other suitable shape, including shapes other than circular and elliptical, including, but not limited to, regular and irregular polygons (regular and irregular triangles, regular and irregular rectangles, regular and irregular pentagons, etc.) and irregular ones To shape. As in 3 shown, the acquisition layer 70 a pattern 78 of openings 76 have, in which all openings 76 have substantially the same shape and size. As in 6 shown, the acquisition layer 70 a pattern 78 of openings 76 in which not all openings 76 have substantially the same shape and size.

The size of the openings 76 in the acquisition layer 70 can also vary. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, an opening 76 which is circular, has a diameter in the range of 1.0 mm-100.0 mm, preferably in the range of 4.0 mm-50.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 6.0 mm-20.0 mm , In another exemplary embodiment, at one opening 76 , which has an elliptical shape, like those in 6 shown, the main axis 84 the opening 76 in the range of 1.0 mm-100.0 mm, preferably in the range of 4.0 mm-50.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 6.0 mm-20.0 mm. In such an embodiment, the minor axis 86 an opening 76 , the one elliptical shape, in the range of 0.5 mm to 100.0 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5 mm-45.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 3.0 mm-15.0 mm. In addition, though the main axis 84 the elliptical openings 76 with the longitudinal direction 30 can be aligned, as in 6 represented, could be the main axis 84 be designed so that they are parallel to the lateral direction 32 is, or an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal direction 30 formed.

As briefly mentioned above, the pattern may be 78 of openings 76 in the acquisition layer 70 a variety of rows 80 and a variety of columns 82 train as in 3 characterized. The rows 80 of openings 76 can move in a direction parallel to the lateral axis 31 extend and can move from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 be offset. The columns 82 the openings 76 can move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 29 extend and may be from one another in a direction parallel to the lateral axis 31 be offset. Of course, it is considered that the ranks 80 and columns 82 the openings 76 are not limited to these orientations. In one embodiment, the number of rows 80 of openings 76 be selected from the range of 1-50, preferably from the range of 4-30, and more preferably within the range of 6-20. In one embodiment, the number of columns 82 of openings 76 be selected from the range of 1-25, preferably from the range of 2-20, and more preferably from the range of 3-15. In the in 3 illustrated exemplary embodiment, the sense layer 70 seven rows 80 of openings 76 and three columns 82 of openings 76 include. The pattern 78 of openings 76 including the amount and positioning of the rows 80 and columns 82 the openings 76 may be features in the body-facing material 28 which will be discussed in more detail below. The sample 78 of openings 76 used in the exemplary embodiment of 3 are shown, has some rows 80 on, the two openings 76 and some rows 80 Include an opening 76 include, and some columns 82 , the four openings 76 include and a column 82 , the three openings 76 includes. The rows 80 and the columns 82 can be configured to switch between adjacent rows 80 and / or adjacent columns 82 of the pattern 78 of openings 76 exists so that adjacent rows 80 no openings 76 have, in the longitudinal direction 30 aligned, and adjacent columns 82 that have no openings 76 have, in the lateral direction 32 are aligned. The change of rows 80 and / or columns 82 the openings 76 can take advantage of denser patterns 78 of openings 76 or more openings 76 per unit area of acquisition layer 70 to provide potentially increased uptake and / or distribution results. In addition, the change of rows 80 and / or columns 82 the openings 76 higher tensile strengths of the acquisition layer 70 in the longitudinal direction 30 and lateral direction 32 compared to similar patterns 76 deploy that no changing rows 80 and / or columns 82 exhibit.

Every opening 76 in the acquisition layer 70 represents an open area 88 in the acquisition layer 70 ready (leaving only two of the open areas 88 in 3 and 6 for clarity), which involves the transfer of fluid and / or solid particulate exudates through the sensing layer 70 can support. The sum of the open areas 88 for each of the multitude of openings 76 provides an open total area for the acquisition layer 70 ready. In exemplary embodiments, the total open area of the sense layer 70 in the range of 1% to 70% of the total area of the acquisition layer 70 more preferably in the range of 5% to 45% of the total area of the sensing layer 70 , and more preferably in the range of 10% to 40% of the total area of the sensing layer 70 lie.

The fluid acquisition layer 70 can also have a channel 90 or a variety of channels 90 include, as in 3 and 4A shown. In the 3 illustrated acquisition layer 70 includes twelve channels 90 (only four are indicated for clarity). 4A provides a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG 3 is removed, and illustrates three openings 76 and two channels 90 extending between the openings 76 extend. In some embodiments, at least one opening 76 with at least two channels 90 be connected. As in 3 shown, may have some openings 76 with four channels 90 be connected. It is contemplated that in some embodiments openings 76 with more than four channels 90 can be connected.

As 3 and 4A represented, each channel can 90 a length 92 Include, in a horizontal plane parallel to the absorbent article 10 is measured when the article 10 in the flattened configuration, as in 2 shown, wherein the horizontal plane respectively the longitudinal and lateral axes 30 . 32 includes. The length 92 a channel 90 is between a proximal end 93 and a distal end 94 defined as measured in the horizontal plane discussed above. In some embodiments, the proximal end 93 a channel 90 with an opening 76 be connected as in 4A shown. In some embodiments, the distal end 94 same channel 90 with another opening 76 be connected, so that the length 92 of the canal 90 between two openings 76 the multitude of openings 76 in the acquisition layer 70 extends or connects. In some embodiments, a majority of the channels 90 in the acquisition layer 70 a proximal end 93 Include that with at least one opening 76 connected, and a distal end 94 that with another opening 76 connected is. In some embodiments, such as B. the in 3 and 6 shown, all channels can 90 in the acquisition layer 70 a proximal end 93 Include that with at least one opening 76 connected, and a distal end 94 that with another opening 76 connected is. The length 92 a channel 90 in the acquisition layer 70 may vary, but the length 92 a channel 90 in exemplary embodiments may range between 1-100 mm, preferably between 5-30 mm, and more preferably between 10-20 mm. In some embodiments, more than one channel 90 may include the length 92 from each channel 90 same for the fluid acquisition layer 70 be. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the length 92 under different channels 90 in the same fluid acquisition layer 70 can vary.

Every channel 90 can also be a thickness 95 Include, on the horizontal plane parallel to the absorbent article 10 is measured when the article 10 is in the flat state. Regardless of the orientation of the channel 90 in the horizontal plane becomes the length 92 of the canal 90 bigger than the thickness 95 of the canal 90 or be the same. The fat 95 a channel 90 in the acquisition layer 70 may vary, but in exemplary embodiments, the thickness 95 a channel 90 may range between 1-30 mm, preferably between 3-15 mm, and more preferably between 4-8 mm. In some embodiments, more than one channel 90 can include the thickness 95 from each channel 90 same for the fluid acquisition layer 70 be. It should be noted, however, that the thickness 95 under different channels 90 in the same fluid acquisition layer 70 can vary.

Every channel 90 can also have a depth 96 have, in a vertical direction 34 is defined, which is parallel to the vertical axis 33 runs. The depth 96 of the channels 90 can be from the body-facing surface 72 the acquisition layer 70 to the surface facing the clothing 74 the acquisition layer 70 extend. As in the exemplary embodiment in FIG 4A represented, the depth can be 96 of the channels 90 same along the length 92 of the channels 90 be. In another embodiment of the fluid acquisition layer 170 , as eg B. the in 4B shown, the depth can be 196 a channel 190 along the length 192 of the canal 190 vary. In some embodiments, at the distal end 194 of the canal 190 the depth 196 from the body-facing surface 72 the acquisition layer 170 to the surface facing the clothing 74 the acquisition layer 170 extend. As in 4B illustrates the depth 196 at the proximal end 193 of the canal 190 less than the depth 196 at the distal end 194 of the canal 190 be. Of course, it is considered that the depth 196 of the proximal end 193 of the canal 190 bigger than the depth 196 at the distal end 194 of the canal 190 in other embodiments, and as such, such configuration is within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, more than one channel 90 can include the depth 96 from each channel 90 same for the fluid acquisition layer 70 be. It should be noted that the depth 96 under different channels 90 in the same fluid acquisition layer 70 can vary.

The channels 90 . 190 in the acquisition layer 70 . 170 , which are illustrated in the embodiments that are described in FIG 2 - 4B show advantages in the distribution of exudates in an absorbent article 10 ready. For example, when exudates through the body-facing material 28 in the direction of the absorbent body 35 The exudates can be transferred to the body-facing surface 72 the acquisition layer 70 . 170 touch. The openings 76 can have an open area 88 in the acquisition layer 70 . 170 provide to absorb the exudates and the exudates to other layers of the absorbent article 10 to transfer, such as ° B. a fluid transfer layer 66 and / or the absorbent body 35 , If exudates in a certain area of the coverage layer 70 . 170 are concentrated, canals 90 . 190 in the acquisition layer 70 . 170 reduced resistance in the sense layer 70 . 170 provide for the exudates so that they flow and spread over the entire coverage layer 70 . 170 spread. It is assumed that such a configuration the effectiveness of the distribution of exudates in the acquisition layer 70 . 170 increases, especially with semi-solid feces, otherwise difficulties in penetration and distribution over the entire acquisition layer 70 . 170 may have. An effective distribution of exudates in the acquisition layer 70 . 170 can increase the effectiveness of the absorbent body 35 which, in turn, can reduce the potential for skin irritation of the wearer by reducing the amount of exudates that are associated with the body-facing material 28 can return. In addition, the increase in the distribution of exudates over the acquisition layer 70 . 170 and again an increase in the effectiveness of the absorbent body 35 the likelihood of supporting that reduction the sealing of the absorbent article 10 could be affected.

In exemplary embodiments, the sense layer 70 . 170 woven materials; fibrous nonwovens, such as eg B. Nonwoven webs, hot air drawn webs, and carded webs such as B. Airlaid webs, bonded carded webs and coform materials; Binder and calender bonded webs; Foams including open-cell foam and mesh fabrics include. The acquisition layer 70 . 170 can use different types of fibers such as ° B. Natural fibers, cellulose fibers, synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as B. Rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of inherently wettable material, such as B. glass fibers; and synthetic fibers made of inherently wettable thermoplastic fibers, such as B. certain polyester or polyamide fibers, or composed of non-wettable thermoplastic polymers such as B. polyolefin fibers hydrophilized by suitable means. The fibers can be z. by treatment with a surfactant, treatment with silica, treatment with a material which has a hydrophilic content and is not readily removable from the fiber or which is hydrophilized by sheathing the non-wettable hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer during or after formation of the fiber , In some embodiments, the sense layer 70 . 170 be formed of a material that is substantially hydrophobic, such as ° B. a nonwoven web composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the sense layer 70 . 170 include superabsorbent material. In some embodiments, the sense layer 70 . 170 Materials having a basis weight in the range of about 10 g / m2 to about 300 g / m2.

By now we are 5A - 5D Turning now to alternate embodiments and configurations of fluid sensing layers 270 . 370 . 470 . 570 deal with more than one shift. 5A - 5D provide a cross-sectional illustration similar to the cross-sectional illustrations in 4A and 4B represents. 5A - 5D each provide fluid acquisition layers 270 . 370 . 470 . 570 which is a first layer 97 and a second layer 98 may include. An upper surface 97a the first layer 97 can be the body-assigning surface 72 the acquisition layer 270 . 370 . 470 . 570 provide. A lower surface 98b the second layer 98 may be the surface facing the clothing 74 the acquisition layer 270 . 370 . 470 . 570 provide. The lower surface 97b the first layer 97 can be directly to the top surface 98a the second layer 98 adhesives, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding and other suitable methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the in 5A illustrated embodiment, the first layer 97 openings 276 Include completely through the first layer 97 extend or from the upper surface 97a to the lower surface 97b the first layer 97 extend. The first shift 97 can also channels 290 include. The channels 290 can be between the openings 276 extend as above regarding 3 and 4A described. In the in 5A illustrated embodiment, the first channels 290 a depth 296 include, extending from the top surface 97a the first layer 97 to the lower surface 97b the first layer 97 extends. The second layer 98 can be free of openings 276 and channels 290 be.

5B illustrates an alternative configuration of a multilayer sensing layer 370 In the in 5B illustrated embodiment, the second layer 98 openings 376 and channels 390 involve, extending between the openings 376 extend. The openings 376 can completely through the second layer 98 , or, in other words, from the upper surface 98a to the lower surface 98b the second layer 98 extend. The channels 390 can have a depth 396 include, extending from the top surface 98a the second layer 98 to the lower surface 98b the second layer 98 the acquisition layer 370 extends.

In the in 5A and 5B The embodiments shown can be the detection layers 270 . 370 each contain a two-layered structure, of which one layer is free of openings 276 . 376 , and each channels 290 . 390 is. Consequently, this construction can increase the strength of the sense layer 270 . 370 deploy by adding at least the first layer 97 or the second layer 98 is free of these features. Increase the strength of the acquisition layer 270 . 370 can in this way increased manufacturability of the acquisition layer 270 . 370 when in roll form, while still providing at least some of the above-mentioned benefits in terms of increased efficacy in the distribution of exudates.

5C illustrates another alternative embodiment of a sense layer 470 ready, which includes a multi-layered structure. In 5C can the acquisition layer 470 openings 476 include, extending from the top surface 97a the first layer 97 to the lower surface 98b the second layer 98 extend, or in other words expressed, from the body-facing surface 72 the acquisition layer 470 to the surface facing the clothing 74 the acquisition layer 470 extend. The first shift 97 can have at least one channel 490 include and the second layer 98 can have at least one channel 490 include. The channels 490 can be between the adjacent openings 476 in the acquisition layer 470 extend as discussed above. The channel 490 in the first shift 97 can be a depth 496 include, extending from the top surface 97a the first layer 97 to the lower surface 97b the first layer 97 extends. The channel 490 in the second layer 98 can be a depth 496 include, extending from the top surface 98a the second layer 98 to the lower surface 98b the second layer 98 extends. By configuring the acquisition layer 470 so they have some channels 490 in the first shift 97 and some channels 490 in the second layer 98 an alternative configuration may be provided to that disclosed in U.S. Pat 5A and 5B to improve the strength of the sense layer 470 while still supporting an increased distribution of exudates in the coverage layer 470 is tried.

5D illustrates another alternative embodiment of a sense layer 570 ready, which includes more than one shift. In 5D can the acquisition layer 570 openings 576 include, extending from the top surface 97a the first layer 97 to the lower surface 98b the second layer 98 extend, or in other words, from the body-facing surface 72 the acquisition layer 570 to the surface facing the clothing 74 the acquisition layer 570 extend. The acquisition layer 570 can also channels 590 involve, extending between the openings 576 extend. The channels 590 can have a depth 596 include, extending from the top surface 97a the first layer 97 to the lower layer 98b the second layer 98 extends, or in other words, from the body-facing surface 72 the acquisition layer 570 to the surface facing the clothing 74 the acquisition layer 570 extends.

In the exemplary embodiments that are described in FIG 5A - 5D shown and discussed above, the first layer 97 and the second layer 98 the acquisition layer 270 be composed of the same material, or may be composed of other materials. In some embodiments, the first layer 97 and / or the second layer 98 be composed of the following materials, but are not limited to: fibrous nonwoven fabrics such as ° B. Nonwoven webs, hot air drawn webs and carded webs such as B. Airlaid webs, bonded carded webs and coform materials; Binder and calender bonded webs; Foams, including open cell foam and mesh fabrics. Different types of wettable hydrophilic fibers can be used in the first layer 97 and / or the second layer 98 be used. Examples of suitable fibers include, but are not limited to, natural fibers; Cellulose fibers; synthetic fibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as B. Rayon fibers; inorganic fibers composed of inherently wettable material, such as B. glass fibers; and synthetic fibers made of inherently wettable thermoplastic fibers, such as B. certain polyester or polyamide fibers, or non-wettable thermoplastic polymers such as B. of polyolefin fibers which have been hydrophilized by suitable means. The fibers can be z. by treatment with a surfactant, treatment with silica, treatment with a material which has a hydrophilic content and is not readily removable from the fiber or which is hydrophilized by sheathing the non-wettable hydrophobic fiber with a hydrophilic polymer during or after formation of the fiber , In some embodiments, the first layer 97 and / or the second layer 98 be formed of a material that is substantially hydrophobic, such as ° B. a nonwoven web composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first layer 97 and / or the second layer 98 include superabsorbent material.

Additionally, the first layer 97 and the second layer 98 have the same or different basis weights. In some embodiments, the first layer 97 and / or the second layer 98 Materials having a basis weight in the range of about 10 g / m2 to about 300 g / m2. Furthermore, the first layer 97 and the second layer 98 Include materials that have the same or different densities, and the same or different porosities.

Different patterns of channels may be present in the sense layer. For example 6 another exemplary embodiment of a detection layer 670 ready, with channels 90 only between some of the openings 76 in the acquisition layer 670 extend (for clarity, only one channel 90 in 6 is marked). Additionally and / or alternatively, the channels 90 in a channeled area 99 the acquisition layer 670 be positioned, and the sense layer 670 may have a non-channeled area 100 include, which is free of channels 90 can be. The channeled area 99 may be configured to a portion of the absorbent article 10 to comply with it it is more likely that he receives exudates in general or special forms of exudates. For example, the in 6 illustrated acquisition layer 670 within an absorbent article 10 be configured so that the channeled area 99 near the back waist area 14 and / or the crotch area 16 which is more likely to be contaminated with semi-solid feces material. Alternatively, the acquisition layer could 670 within an absorbent article 10 be configured so that the channeled area 99 near the crotch area 16 and / or the front waist region 12 is positioned. It is considered that these and similar configurations of channels 90 in the acquisition layer 670 , as in 6 could be applied in other embodiments of the detection layer described above.

The openings 76 and channels 90 can in the acquisition layer 70 be formed using different manufacturing techniques. For example, a pattern 78 of openings 76 and channels 90 by a rotary die (not shown), a laser cutter (not shown), a water cutter (not shown) or a punch press (not shown) in the sensing layer 70 get cut. The creation of openings 76 and channels 90 can be completed by the machine line containing the absorbent article 10 or can be completed inline with the machine line containing the absorbent articles 10 formed. Advantageously, the production of the openings allows 76 in the acquisition layer 70 offline finishing the cutting at different speeds, which may be slower than the machine line, the absorbent articles 10 forms what a more accurate cutting of the openings 76 can allow. Furthermore, the production of openings 76 and channels 90 be completed in the same process steps or in separate process steps.

Body-facing material:

The body-facing material 28 of the absorbent article 10 can over the absorbent body 35 and the outer cover 26 lie and can isolate the skin of the wearer from liquid waste caused by the absorbent body 35 is held back. In various embodiments, a fluid transfer layer 66 between the body-facing material 28 and the absorbent body 35 be positioned. In various embodiments, a sense layer 70 between the body-facing material 28 and the absorbent body 35 or a fluid transfer layer 72 be positioned, if available. In various embodiments, the body facing material 28 to the acquisition layer 70 or the fluid transfer layer 66 be bonded if no acquisition layer 70 is present, then via adhesive and / or spot fusion bonding. Spot melt bonding can be selected from ultrasonic, thermal pressure bonding, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the body facing material may be 28 over the absorbent body 35 and / or the fluid transfer layer 66 , and / or a sense layer 70 extend to over a section of the outer cover 26 and can be bonded thereto by any suitable method, eg B. by being bonded thereto by adhesive to substantially the absorbent body 35 between the outer cover 26 and the body-facing material 28 include. The body-facing material 28 can be narrower than the outer cover 26 However, it is to be understood that the body-facing material 28 and the outer cover 26 can have the same dimensions. It is also considered that the body-facing material 28 do not care about the absorbent body 35 can extend and / or not on the outer cover 26 can be attached. It is further considered that the body-facing material 28 can be composed of more than one segment of material. The body-facing material 28 may have different shapes, including rectangular, clock-glass, or any other shape. The body-facing material 28 may suitably be compliant, soft-feeling and non-irritating to the skin of the wearer, and may be as hydrophilic or less hydrophilic as the absorbent body 35 be to allow for exudates through the absorbent body 35 penetrate and provide a relatively dry area for the wearer.

As in 2 . 7 and 8th shown, may be the body-facing material 28 at least one intersecting slot formation 102 include. In some embodiments, the body facing material 28 a variety of intersecting slot formations 102 include (where only two intersecting slot formations 102 in 2 and 7 for clarity). The different features of the intersecting slot formations 102 are described herein as the absorbent article 10 is in a stretched, flattened configuration, as in FIG 2 shown. As in the detailed view of 8th which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a intersecting slot formation 102 from the body-facing material 28 represents the intersecting slot formation 102 at least two intersecting slots 103 and an opening 104 include. In a preferred embodiment, the intersecting slots 103 the intersecting slot formation 102 completely through a depth of body-facing material 28 extend, but in other embodiments, some slots 103 the intersecting slot formation 102 not completely through the body-facing material 28 must extend. In the 8th illustrated, intersecting slot formation 102 includes eight intersecting slots 103 , It is considered that the body-facing material 28 a cutting slot formation 102 with a specified amount of intersecting slits 103 coming from the range of 2-20 intersecting slots 103 more preferably from the range of 3-15 intersecting slots 103 and more preferably in the range of 5-8 intersecting slots 103 selected. The intersecting slits 103 can be at a common intersection 105 cut that inside the opening 104 can lie when one in the intersecting slot formation 102 is available.

The intersecting slits 103 are shown as linear segments, but with the intersecting slots 103 arcuate, sinusoidal, or any other shape or shape. A cutting slit 103 can have a proximal end 103a and a distal end 103b include, as only on one of the slots 103 in 8th for clarity. A linear distance between the proximal end 103a and the distal end 103b may be a length of a cutting slot 103 define. The intersecting slits 103 the intersecting slot formation 102 can be of the same length as in 8th but with the intersecting slots 103 the intersecting slot formation 102 of different lengths compared to each other can be. A cutting slit 103 may be of a specified length which may be selected from a range including but not limited to 2-100 mm, more preferably 2-25 mm, still more preferably 3-15 mm. Additionally, the thickness of an exemplary intersecting slot may be 103 from the range of 0.02-5.00 mm, more preferably from the range of 0.05-2.00 mm, and more preferably from the range of 0.10-1.50 mm. However, it can be seen that the specified length and thickness of a slot 103 may differ from the preferred ranges and still be within the scope of this disclosure. It is also contemplated that the thickness of a slot 103 in a body-facing material 28 in the absorbent article 10 in a stretched flattened configuration compared to the thickness of a slot 103 in a body-facing material 28 during or before the manufacture of the absorbent article 10 may vary due to considerations including, but not limited to, stretching the body-facing material 28 , However, as previously mentioned, the measurements become the characteristics of the intersecting slot formations 102 as described herein when measured as the absorbent article 10 is in a stretched flattened form, as in the one in 2 is described.

As mentioned above, an intersecting slot formation may occur 102 an opening 104 include. The opening 104 the intersecting slot formation 102 may be circular, but similar to the shape of the intersecting slots 103 be, which was discussed above, with the opening 104 may differ in shape, including but not limited to elliptical, polygonal (triangular, rectangular, etc.) or irregularly shaped.

The opening 104 can have different dimensions. For example, a circular opening 104 , as in 8th shown, have a diameter which is in the range of 0.5-10.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.8-7.0 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.9-2.5 mm is selected. Of course, an opening 104 be sized to be outside of this exemplary range.

8th also illustrates the potential open area 109 for a cutting slot formation 102 , The potential open area 109 is with a dash-dot-dash line in 8th by constructing a perimeter around the intersecting slot formation 102 by connecting the distal end 103b from each successive slot 103 is configured with a linear segment. The potential open area 109 a cutting slot formation 102 may be the potential open area in the horizontal plane of the body-facing material 28 for a particular intersecting slot formation 102 which may allow fluid and / or particulate exudates to pass through the body-facing material 28 go through without physically through the body-facing material 28 having to go through it yourself. A sum of the total potential open areas 109 from each intersecting slot formation 102 a pattern 106 may have an entire potential open area of the body-facing material 28 define. In some embodiments, the total potential range may range from 1% to about 70% of the total area of the body-facing material 28 , more preferably from from about 3% to about 50% of the total area of the body-facing material 28 , and more preferably, from about 10% to about 40% of the total area of the body-facing material 28 be.

Referring again to 7 can be the body-facing material 28 a variety of intersecting slot formations 102 include. The variety of intersecting slot formations 102 can be designed to a pattern 106 on the body-facing material 28 train. The pattern 106 may have a rectangular shape, an hourglass-shaped, a circular, elliptical, polygonal or any other desired shape. The pattern 106 of intersecting slot formations 102 can be over the entire body-facing material 28 from the longitudinal side edge 18 to the longitudinal side edge 20 , and from the front waist edge 22 to the rear waist edge 24 extend. Alternatively, the pattern 106 the intersecting slot formations 102 be so concentrated that the pattern is 106 not to one or more longitudinal edges 18 . 20 and one or more waist edges 22 . 24 extends, as in 7 shown. Alternatively, the plurality of intersecting slot formations 102 form no repeating pattern at random, and may be on a random basis on the body-facing material 28 be positioned.

In a preferred embodiment, intersecting slot formations may be formed 102 in the body-facing material 28 be provided to substantially at the openings 76 in the acquisition layer 70 align and agree with it. Furthermore, the pattern 106 the intersecting slot formations 102 be provided to substantially conform to the pattern 78 the openings 76 in the acquisition layer 70 align and agree with it. 7 is an example, like a pattern 106 the intersecting slot formations 102 may be provided to substantially conform to the pattern 78 the openings 76 in the acquisition layer 70 align and agree with it. 7 illustrates a body facing material 28 that over a detection layer 70 lies. The body-facing material 28 includes a pattern 106 of intersecting slot formations 102 , the seven rows 107 of intersecting slot formations 102 and three columns 108 of intersecting slot formations 102 includes. The acquisition layer 70 , which is the acquisition layer 70 that acts in 3 is shown, includes seven rows 80 of openings 76 and three columns 82 of openings 76 (marked in 3 ). Accordingly, the same amount of intersecting slot formations 102 in the body-facing material 28 available as there are openings 76 in the acquisition layer 70 in this exemplary embodiment.

The potential open area 109 for a majority of intersecting slot formations 102 in the body-facing material 28 can at least partially cover a section of the open area 88 a corresponding opening 76 in the fluid acquisition layer 70 overlap. As used in this context, "overlapped" refers to the comparable position of the potentially open area 109 and the open area 88 each in the longitudinal and lateral direction 30 . 32 as from the vertical direction 34 perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral direction 30 . 32 viewed (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the body-facing material 28 when the body-facing material 28 is laid flat). In some embodiments, such as B. the in 7 and 8th shown, the potential open area 109 for a majority of intersecting slot formations 102 in the body-facing material 28 completely within the open area 88 a corresponding opening 76 in the fluid acquisition layer 70 lie. In some embodiments, the intersection is located 105 a majority of the intersecting slot formations 102 within the open area 88 the corresponding opening 76 , wherein the term "within" is used in this context to refer to the comparable position of the point of intersection 105 and the open area 88 when it comes from the vertical direction 34 perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral direction 30 . 32 is considered (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the body-facing material) 28 when the body-facing material 28 is laid flat). In some embodiments, such as B. in the in 7 and 8th illustrated embodiment, the intersection 105 a majority of intersecting slot formations 102 , essentially with the center 89 from each corresponding opening 76 be aligned. As used in the context herein, "substantially aligned" refers to the comparable position of the intersection 105 and the center 89 if from the direction perpendicular 34 to the longitudinal and lateral direction 30 . 32 viewed (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the body-facing material 28 when the body-facing material 28 is laid flat).

Configure the body-facing material 28 and the acquisition layer 70 , so that cutting slit formations 102 in the body-facing material 28 which are essentially at the opening (s) 76 in the acquisition layer 70 Align or match advantages for the absorbent article 10 can provide. For example, fluid and / or solid particles passing through the potentially open area 109 a cutting slot formation 102 in the body-facing material 28 go through, faster to the absorbent body 35 pour by passing through the open area 88 the opening 76 in the acquisition layer 70 pass. Such alignment can help address the area of spread of contamination on the body-facing material 28 and can reduce the residual fecal material on the body-facing material 28 after soiling by exudates. As a result, the skin irritation of the wearer of the absorbent article 10 also be reduced by this orientation. Additionally, such enhanced properties may individually and collectively reduce the likelihood that fluid and / or particulate exudates will seal the absorbent article's sealing system 10 impaired, such as ° B. containment flaps 44 . 46 ,

Although some benefits of exudate distribution and control can be further enhanced when using a fluid acquisition layer 70 , the channels 90 and openings 76 in combination with a body facing material 28 This uses a variety of intersecting slot formations 102 As described above, it is contemplated that the fluid acquisition layers 70 . 170 . 270 . 370 . 470 . 570 . 670 together with various other body-facing materials 28 including body-facing materials 28 can be used, no intersecting slot formations 102 exhibit. Other body-facing materials 28 for use in the absorbent article 10 may be body-facing materials 28 which are known to those skilled in the art, and may be body-facing materials 28 with or without openings.

The body-facing lining 28 can be made from a wide range of materials, such as ° B. synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, or the like. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, viscose staple, wood, cotton, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers, polyolefins such as, but not limited to, copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear polyethylene low density and aliphatic esters such as B. Polylactic acid, finely perforated film webs, netting materials and combinations thereof.

Different woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the body-facing materials 28 be used. The body-facing materials 28 For example, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a polymeric film, a film fabric laminate or the like and combinations thereof may be included. Examples of nonwoven webs may include nonwoven spun webs, hot air drawn webs, coform webs, carded webs, bonded carded webs, bicomponent nonwoven webs, spunlace, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The body-facing material 28 does not have to be a uniform layered structure, and thus may include more than one layer of fabrics, films and / or webs, as well as combinations thereof. For example, the body-facing layer 28 a carrier layer and a projection layer, which may be hydroentangled.

For example, the body facing material 28 consist of a hot air drawn or fleece spinning web of polyolefin fibers. Alternatively, the body facing material 28 For example, consist of a bonded-carded web, which is composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. The body-facing material 28 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant, or otherwise processed to provide a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. The surfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as B. Spraying, printing, brush coating or the like. The surfactant can be applied to the entire body-facing material 28 be applied or it may selectively on certain areas of the body-facing material 28 be applied.

In one embodiment, a body facing material 28 be constructed of a nonwoven bicomponent web. The nonwoven bicomponent web may be a nonwoven spun bicomponent web or a bonded carded bicomponent web. An example of a bicomponent staple fiber includes a polyethylene / polypropylene bicomponent fiber. In this particular bicomponent fiber, the polypropylene forms the core and the polyethylene forms the sheath of the fiber. Fibers with other orientations, such as ° B. Multi-surfaces, side-by-side, end-to-end, may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, a body facing material 28 a hot air drawn substrate having a basis weight of about 10 or 12 to about 15 or 20 g / m2. In one embodiment, a body facing material 28 a nonwoven spun hot air drawn nonwoven spun substrate at 12 g / m2 where 10% hot air drawn content is applied between the two nonwoven spun layers.

Although the outer cover 26 and the body-facing material 28 Elastomeric materials may be considered that the outer cover 26 and the body-facing material 28 may be composed of materials that are generally non-elastomers. In one embodiment, the body facing material 28 be stretchy and matching elastic. In one embodiment, the body facing material 28 suitably stretchable, and more suitably elastic in at least the lateral or circumferential direction of the absorbent article 10 be. In other aspects, the body facing material may 28 stretchable, and even more elastic in the lateral and longitudinal directions 32 . 30 be.

Containment flaps:

In one embodiment, the containment flaps 44 . 46 on the body-facing material 28 of the absorbent article 10 in a generally parallel spaced relationship laterally inwardly from the leg openings to provide a barrier against the flow of body exudates. In one embodiment, the containment flaps may 44 . 46 longitudinally from the front waist area 12 of the absorbent article 10 through the crotch area 16 to the back waist area 14 of the absorbent article 10 extend. The containment flaps 44 . 46 can be attached to the body-facing material 28 bonded with an adhesive or other means as known in the art. Alternatively, any containment flap 44 . 46 to other components of the absorbent article 10 except for the body-facing material 28 Bonded, including but not limited to the outer cover 26 ,

The containment flaps 44 and 46 may be constructed of a fibrous material that may be similar to the material that the body-facing material 28 formed. Other conventional materials, such as B. Polymer films can also be used. Each containment flap 44 and 46 can handle rubbers, such as ° B. flaps gums 48 and 50 , exhibit. Suitable elastic materials for the flap rubbers 48 and 50 may include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomeric materials. The flap rubbers 48 and 50 As illustrated, two strands of elastomeric material may extend longitudinally along containment flaps 44 and 46 generally in a parallel spaced relationship to each other. The elastic strands can be inside the containment flaps 44 and 46 while they are in an elastically contractible condition so that the contraction of the strands is the containment flaps 44 and 46 collects and shortens. As a result, the elastic strands can be the containment flaps 44 and 46 bias in the direction of a position from where the containment flaps 44 and 46 so to the absorbent article 10 Bonded are a section of the containment flaps 44 and 46 , from the body-facing material 28 in a generally upright orientation of the containment flaps 44 and 46 away, especially in the crotch area 16 of the absorbent article 10 if the absorbent article 10 adapted to the wearer. The containment flaps 44 and 46 can with the flap rubbers 48 and 50 Partially connected by the material of the enclosure flap 44 and 46 is doubled back on itself by an amount that may be sufficient to the flap rubbers 48 and 50 include. It is understood, however, that the containment flaps 44 and 46 can have any number of strands of elastomeric material and also from the absorbent article 10 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Leg elastics:

Elastic leg elements 56 . 58 can on the outer cover 26 be attached by z. ° B. by laminate adhesive generally laterally inward from the longitudinal side edges 18 and 20 from the absorbent article 10 be bonded to it. The elastic leg elements 56 . 58 can each elastic leg cuffs 57 . 59 training that will continue to help contain body exudates. In one embodiment, the elastic leg members 56 . 58 between the inner layer 62 and the outer layer 60 the outer cover 26 or between other layers of the absorbent article 10 be arranged. The elastic leg elements 56 . 58 may be a single elastic element as illustrated in the figures herein, or any leg elastic element 56 . 58 may include more than one elastic element. A wide variety of elastic materials can be used for the leg elastic elements 56 . 58 be used. Suitable elastic materials may include sheets, strands or bands of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomeric materials. The elastic materials may be stretched and attached to a substrate, attached to a collected substrate or attached to a substrate and then z. be elasticized or shrunk by the application of heat, so that the elastic return forces are applied to the substrate.

Fastening system:

In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 include a fastening system. The attachment system may include one or more rear attachment members 130 or one or more front fasteners 132 include. Parts of the attachment system may be in the front waist area 12 , rear waist area 14 or both. The attachment system may be configured to the absorbent article 10 to attach to the waist of the wearer and the absorbent article 10 to hold in position during use. In one embodiment, the rear fasteners 130 include one or more bonded-together materials to form a composite ear, as known in the art. The composite fastener may be made of a stretch component, for example 134 , a non-woven backing or a hook base 136 and a fastening component 138 consist.

Elastic waist element:

In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 elastic waist elements 52 and 54 have, which may be formed of any suitable elastic material. The elastic waist element 52 Can be in a back waist area 12 of the absorbent article 10 be, and the elastic waist element 54 can be in a front waist feature 14 of the absorbent article 10 be. Such elastic materials for the elastic waist elements 52 . 54 may include, but are not limited to, sheets, strands or bands of natural rubber, synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomeric polymers. The elastic materials may be stretched and bonded to a substrate, bonded to a collected substrate, and then z. be elasticized or shrunk by the application of heat, so that the elastic return forces are applied to the substrate. It is understood, however, that the elastic waist elements 52 and 54 from the absorbent article 10 may be omitted without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Female hygiene product:

9 provides a non-limiting illustration of an absorbent article 10 in the form of a feminine hygiene product, such as B. a sanitary napkin or a female adult incontinence product, ready. In addition, the absorbent article 10 first and second longitudinally opposite front and rear end portions 12 and 14 include (which may be referred to as front and rear waist regions respectively) and an intermediate region (or crotch region) 16 that is between the end areas 12 and 14 is positioned. The absorbent article 10 can have a first and second side edge 18 and 20 exhibit. The long side edges 18 and 20 can be contoured to match the shape of the absorbent article 10 fit. The absorbent article 10 can be any shape, such as B. a dog bone shape, a racetrack shape, a watch glass shape or the like. In addition, the absorbent article 10 may be substantially symmetrical in the longitudinal direction or may be asymmetrical in the longitudinal direction, if desired.

As representatively illustrated, the dimension of the absorbent article 10 in the longitudinal direction 30 relatively larger than the lateral dimension of the absorbent article 10 in the lateral direction 32 be. Configurations of the absorbent article 10 can be a body-facing material 28 and an outer cover 26 include as described herein. An absorbent body 35 as described herein may be between the body-facing material 28 and the outer cover 26 be positioned. As representatively illustrated, z. the perimeters of the body-facing material 28 and the outer cover 26 be substantially completely adjacent, or the perimeters of the body facing material 28 and the outer cover 26 may be partially or completely non-contiguous. In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 a sense layer 70 as described herein.

The body-facing layer 28 can be a pattern 106 of intersecting slot formations 102 include as described herein. The acquisition layer 70 can be a pattern 78 of openings 76 include. The acquisition layer 70 can have one or more channels 90 contain, as described herein, beneficial distribution and retention features in the absorbent article 10 provide. The intersecting slot formations 102 in the body-facing material 28 can have openings 76 in the acquisition layer 70 correspond and be aligned, as previously described, to further advantages for the absorbent article 10 to provide, as described above.

In an embodiment in which the absorbent article 10 a feminine hygiene product may be the absorbent article 10 laterally extending wing sections 156 include that integral with the side edges 18 and 20 of the absorbent article 10 in the intermediate area 16 of the absorbent article 10 can be connected. The wing sections 156 may be separately provided elements, for example, the following at the intermediate area 16 of the absorbent article 10 attached or otherwise operatively connected. In other configurations, the wing sections 156 unitary with one or more components of the absorbent article 10 be educated. A wing section 156 may be, for example, a corresponding operational extension of the body facing material 28 , the outer cover 26 and combinations thereof are formed. The wing sections 156 may have a designated storage position (not shown) in which the wing sections 156 generally inward in the direction of the longitudinal axis 29 are directed. The wing sections 156 may be of any operational design and may include a layer of any operative material. In addition, each wing section 156 a composite material. The wing sections 156 For example, a nonwoven spunbond material, a bicomponent nonwoven web, a stabilized nonwoven web, a Neck-Stretched-Bonded / NBL stretched bonded laminate, a hot air drawn web, a bonded carded web, a thermally bonded carded web Through-air bonded carded web or the like, as well as combinations thereof.

Each wing section 156 may include a wall mounting component (not shown) operatively connected to a designated engagement surface of its associated wing section 156 can be connected. The wall mounting component may include a system of interengaging mechanical fasteners, a system of adhesive fasteners or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In one embodiment, either one or both wing sections 156 include a wall mounting system that includes an operational adhesive. The adhesive may be a solvent based adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, a garment attachment mechanism (not shown) such as B. a garment attachment adhesive, on the garment side of the absorbent article 10 be distributed. In one embodiment, the garment adhesive may be over the garment side of the absorbent article 10 the outer cover 26 and one or more layers of release material may be removably positioned over the garment adhesive for storage prior to use. In one embodiment, the garment attachment mechanism may include an operational component of a mechanical attachment system. In such an embodiment, the garment attachment mechanism may include an operational component of a hook and loop fastener type fastening system.

In one embodiment, a chemical treatment may be used to alter the color of body exudates from the absorbent article 10 were caught. In one embodiment, the treatment may be, for example, B. a decolorization composition that agglutinates (agglomerates) red blood cells in blood and menstrual blood, and limits the extent to which the red color of menstrual blood is visible. Such a composition includes a surfactant, eg B. as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,350,711 by Potts, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition to agglutinating agents, the decolorizing composition can alter the chemical structure of hemoglobin to alter its color. Examples of such compositions are disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0062764 to MacDonald, et al. which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the composition may include an oxidizing agent that is generally capable of oxidizing hemoglobin or other substances that are responsible for undesirable color of the body exudates. The decolorizing composition may be applied to any liquid-permeable layer of the absorbent article 10 where it can come in contact with aqueous fluids, such as B. Menstrual blood, such as ° B. the body-facing material 28 , the acquisition layer 70 , the fluid transfer layer 66 , the absorbent body 35 , the outer cover 26 , and combinations of them.

All documents cited in the detailed description are incorporated herein by reference in relevant proportions; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an assumption that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of an expression in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in that written document is valid.

Although certain embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

An absorbent article including a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis defined in a horizontal plane parallel to the absorbent article in a laid-flat configuration, the absorbent article also including a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the absorbent article comprising: a body-facing material; an outer cover connected to the body facing material; a absorbent body positioned between the body facing material and the outer cover; and a fluid sensing layer comprising a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the fluid sensing layer positioned between the body facing material and the outer cover, the fluid sensing layer further comprising a plurality of apertures and at least one channel having a length and a depth, wherein the length in the horizontal plane is defined by a distance between a proximal end and a distal end of the channel, and the depth is defined in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical axis, the proximal end having a first opening of the plurality of apertures, the at least one channel configured to extend the depth from the body facing surface to the garment facing surface. An absorbent article including a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis defined in a horizontal plane parallel to the absorbent article in a laid-flat configuration, the absorbent article also including a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the absorbent article comprising: a body-facing material; an outer cover connected to the body facing material; a absorbent body positioned between the body facing material and the outer cover; and a fluid sensing layer positioned between the body facing material and the outer cover, the fluid sensing layer comprising a first layer and a second layer, the first layer including a top surface providing a body facing surface of the fluid sensing layer; opposite bottom layer, the second layer including a bottom layer providing a garment facing layer of the fluid acquisition layer and an opposing top surface, the fluid acquisition layer further comprising a plurality of openings and at least one channel including a length and a depth wherein the length in the horizontal plane is defined by a distance between a proximal end and a distal end of the channel, and wherein the depth is defined in the vertical direction parallel to the vertical axis, the proximal end having a first opening of the A plurality of openings is connected, wherein the at least one channel is configured so that the depth extends through at least one of the first layer and the second layer. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the distal end of the at least one channel is connected to a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fluid acquisition layer further comprises a plurality of channels. The absorbent article of claim 4, wherein at least one opening is connected to at least two channels of the plurality of channels. The absorbent article of claim 4, wherein a majority of the plurality of channels includes a proximal end connected to at least one of the plurality of openings and a distal end connected to another of the plurality of openings. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the fluid acquisition layer further comprises a plurality of channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of channels is present in the first layer and at least one of the plurality of channels is present in the second layer. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the depth of the at least one channel is the same along the length of the at least one channel. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the depth of the at least one channel varies along the length of the at least one channel. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body facing material includes a plurality of intersecting slot formations. The absorbent article of claim 10, wherein a majority of said plurality of intersecting Slit formations of the body-facing material includes a potential open area that overlaps at least partially with corresponding openings of the plurality of openings of the fluid detection layer. The absorbent article of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of intersecting slot formations of the body facing material includes an intersection, and each of the openings includes an open area in the fluid acquisition layer, and wherein the intersection for a majority of the plurality of intersecting slot formations is within the corresponding open areas of the plurality of openings of the fluid acquisition layer is located. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the at least one channel extends through the first layer from the body facing surface of the fluid acquisition layer to the bottom surface of the first layer. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the at least one channel extends through the second layer from the upper surface of the second layer to the garment facing layer of the fluid acquisition layer. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the at least one channel extends through the first layer and the second layer from the body-facing layer of the fluid-sensing layer to the body-facing surface of the fluid-sensing layer. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the lower surface of the first layer is bonded directly to the upper surface of the second layer. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the plurality of apertures extend through the fluid sensing layer from the body facing surface of the fluid sensing layer to the garment facing surface of the fluid sensing layer. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the plurality of apertures extend completely through the one of the first layer and the second layer having the at least one channel. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fluid acquisition layer includes a channeled region including a plurality of channels and a non-channeled region. The absorbent article of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the rear waist region; and a front waist edge in the front waist region, a rear waist edge in the rear waist region, a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, wherein the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge respectively extend from the front waist edge to the rear waist edge.

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